Running Between the Raindrops

Our day started with sunshine as I took the dogs for their morning walk.  Then it was off and on rain, but never as hard as yesterday.

The scenery as we drove thru Oregon down I-5 is gorgeous as long as you like trees.

It was pretty funny that as soon as we hit the California border, the rain stopped.  The sun seemed like an intrusion on a peaceful, easy-on-the-eyes day.

Then we arrived in Yreka and let the dogs out for their walk.  Within minutes the rain had begun again and with it came wind.  Brrrrr.  I finally got some use out of the scarf I brought along.

Our neighborhood had some problems last weekend--two cars were stolen, one from inside the garage, and one other suffered a break-in where everything in it was stolen.  We're anxious to get home and make sure everything at our house is intact.

Heading Out

We left Mom's about 11 a.m. today.  We'll be back in 6 weeks for her 99th birthday party.  I think she needed a rest after all the activity while we were there.  It was a lot of fun, but I am totally pooped out after all the meal prep and clean up.

As we headed south, we saw this interesting bridge near Nisqually Flats.  Gary figures they have tented it to paint inside the plastic.  Intriguing looking bridge.

We drove in and out of some beautiful rainstorms and a couple of very scary ones where we could barely see the road.  Not as bad as Colorado is experiencing, but still didn't feel great to be driving in it.

We are now at Hee Hee Ilahee again--Gary loves this place. It is clean and easy to park and the hot tub feels great after a long driving day.  As we got here the sun was shining on this park, but there were dark clouds all around us.  Just as I finished walking the dogs, the sky began to darken.  We'll see what tonight brings.

I met a man walking his dogs and saw my first white Scottie!  She was so cute, but really didn't want to pose for this photo.  They did what we did when Tule first became an only dog and was miserable. They got this Scottie her own pet, a rescue Westie.  We got Elsie for Tule.  It worked--all these dogs are happier for having a housemate so they are never alone.

Tomorrow--Medford or maybe Yreka if Gary isn't too tired from driving.

Thunder, Lightning and Rain!

My idea of the perfect evening.  It was a gorgeous day--overcast, then sunny,  then the storms.  I really enjoyed it.

The day was fun.  Mom wanted one more look at the estate sale we found yesterday.  Nothing left by the time we got there, but on our way home we found this delightful little treasure on a corner in Edmonds.

Then the Peterson family came for a fun gathering.  We always have such fun catching up on each others' lives.  This time my sister and brother-in-law came, too. My sister is in black and white in this photo.  

It was a great day, but I'm still pooped from yesterday, let alone the dinner prep tonight.  I believe I'll hit the sack.  We begin our trip home tomorrow.

Two Days in One

For some weird reason, Mom's wifi didn't work last night, so no post. I'll try to get both in now.

Yesterday we took the Kingston Ferry from Edmonds (love that short ride) and drove to Bainbridge Island. Found Churchmouse Yarns and Teas and both Mom and I did some shopping.   It was a nice, cool, overcast day.

 Then Gary suggested we go to Poulsbo for lunch.  He had an ulterior motive--wanted to eat at the same place we did last time and have more of their clam chowder.  After our lunch/dinner (it was about 3 p.m.), he took the dogs for a walk while Mom and I wandered up to the Scandinavian shop.  I bought a variety of things and Mom got a new lefse griddle.  At almost 99 she thinks she needs a new lefse griddle!  Sounds good to me!  I'm usually the one that makes the lefse at her house.  ; )  The town has amazing murals on the sides of the buildings--very cute Scandinavian community.

Today I made bread for Mom and cookies for my nephew, then took Mom to Costco.  We had Mom's two remaining close friends over for salmon dinner, Buck and Johnnie.  Gary did a masterful job of cooking the salmon and I made the rest of the dinner.  On our way home from Costco, Mom spotted an estate sale and we both did a bit of shopping.  I'm so glad we are in the RV so I can take home our new round oak coffee table.

As I sit here in the RV typing this, a train is passing Edmonds. One of my favorite memories is the Doppler effect as the trains go thru town.  It is a melancholy yet peaceful sound that makes me think I'm at home.  I must have heard that sound at bedtime growing up because now I am ready for bed.

Two Fun Days

We got to Mom's on 9/11 and had a great time visiting with my cousin, Denny and his wife, Sandy from ND.  My sister and brother-in-law came over to collect the fish we brought for them and we had too much fun trying to take this photo. Sandy finally gave up trying to get the perfect photo, so you get a bit of a blur, but it shows how much fun we three cousins had.

Sandy and Denny and Tuffie left this morning in their new car.

Mom and I ran errands and ended up eating lunch at Dick's.  I had heard about how great they are and finally got to taste one of their burgers.  In and Out still has them beat.  : )

Tonight we celebrated 60 years of marriage of Bill and Joanne, long-time friends of the Clouston family.  We ate at Anthony's in Edmonds and watched the ferries going back and forth and a beautiful sunset.

They live in Hawaii and Joanne still dances in the shows for tourists (and she's in her 80's).

Amazing, isn't she? And she is hilarious, too.  We had a great couple of days.

Peterson's Haulers, Day Two

It was 100 degrees when we got to Medford last night.  Phew!  It was nice this morning, but heading for another hot day.  It is 90 degrees in Salem as I write this.  I was hoping we were getting away from the heat.  Maybe it will be cooler
in  Edmonds at Mom's?

So far the only difficulty has been at lunchtime yesterday when the generator decided to quit working--made for a pretty warm lunch inside the RV.  But it decided to start working again when we stopped for the night and today is working just fine.  And the broken freezer door latch didn't like bumpy roads, so I kept having to get up and reload the fish in the freezer that we are taking to Mom.  I should have taken a photo, but didn't think of it. Duh.  I did make a list with freezer door latch repair at the top.

It was fun to see a hay truck as we drove along today--brings back memories of those big trucks delivering a load of hay to our little barn as I was growing up.

Outside of Eugene Gary noticed there was no traffic heading south.  Then we saw why--a terrible accident had happened and was still being cleared.  As we headed north, the line of stopped traffic was over 6 miles long. People were standing outside their cars and trucks,walking dogs, chatting.  I'm sure the line got even longer because the cars were still blocking the road as we drove past.  We were thankful our side of the freeway was still moving and said a prayer for those in the accident.  It looked pretty bad.

Now Gary is enjoying the hot tub at this beautiful RV park--Hee Hee Ilahee--I love the name!  The dogs and I are heading out for our second walk since we got here.  They know this RV park and definitely enjoy walking the perimeter and smelling all the good sniffability.

Peterson's Furniture Movers

Heading to Seattle to spend a bit of time with my Mom.  This trip we are hauling a lamp and coffee table for my nephew from his Placerville uncle.  On the way back we will have an old stool of Mom's that my sister is giving me.  Nice!  It feels so good to be back in the RV again after our long summer of not being allowed to use it--doctor's orders.  I'm feeling great now--having a ball trying more new foods each week.

We left home Monday morning after I counted the offering at church.  Along the way we saw remnants of lots of grass fires.  Outside of  Redding there was a huge fire--the Clover Fire, according to Gary's research.

Lake Shasta has the lowest water level we have ever seen.  So sad to see so little water in the lake.

Mt. Shasta was almost completely without snow.  That is another sight we've never seen.  I am afraid it really is going to be a very dry year.  Maybe this winter we'll get lucky and have some nice rainstorms and lots of snow.

Our old girl, Tule (13 1/2 now) is in amazing shape for her age, but is getting weaker.  I am still not allowed to lift her weight, so we got creative and fashioned a sling to go under her hind legs.  This way it is pretty easy for us to get her in and out of the RV--with Gary doing most of the lifting.  She is so good about accepting this help.  Going for walks works just fine, it is just the steps that are a problem.   And--Elsie is being very good about staying out of the way while we are getting Tule either in or out.  We have such good dogs!

Let the Repairs Begin!

We made it home this afternoon in time for me to go to my knitting group.  It was very nice of Gary to get up earlier than usual so we could get home in time.

Our alternate title could have been Blowing in the Wind. It was very windy all the way home. The good news is that it was a tailwind so we got a lot better gas mileage than usual.  At one time, coasting downhill with the wind at our back, we got 41 mpg!  We averaged a bit over 10 mpg, 7-8 is our usual mpg.  Our trip north was against a headwind so we only got 5 mpg.  We really enjoyed seeing the grass blowing in the wind. Can you tell in the photo that it is blowing?  Those are ripples as the breeze blows over the grasses.

As soon as we got home, both dogs went in the pool.  They acted so happy as they got out, soaking wet.  I guess we are not officially home until they have a swim.

Home Sweet Home--it is great to be back.

Peterson's Moving and Hauling, Part 2

We are back in the hauling business. Britta bought two chairs at a garage sale when we were in Seattle for Kathleen's wedding.  They are filling up the sofa bed in the RV all the way home.

We had a great time in Salem this morning. We met PLU friends for breakfast at the Original Pancake House. Doreen was my maid of honor.  Lots of fun catching up on old friends.  Unfortunately, I was having so much fun hearing about everyone that I forgot to take any photos.

We then worked our way South--went past the colorful truck place--I love all those bright colored trucks.

Just below Yreka we drove  past a farm with about 100 alpaca--I was drooling over all that yummy yarn on the hoof.  All those sheep we drove past on our way up are now naked.  Think of all those happy spinners in Oregon.

Mt. Shasta was especially gorgeous today.

Home tomorrow, then Wednesday is surgery to remove a growth on Elsie--poor baby.

Heading Toward Home

Last night we had a wonderful time celebrating our niece's 40th birthday with the Peterson side of the family.  What a fun bunch!  Gary and his brother spent a lot of time talking.

The dogs seem to know we are on our way home.  They'll miss the horse and goats and the huge space to run, but there's no place like home.

Mom is amazing.  Today the PT had her using a rowing machine and she walked the whole length of the hall.  She loves the food, even sent compliments to the chef.  She said the pain is much better. I suspect the fact that they are making her take the pain pills is making a big difference.  I suspect she will be home in 4 weeks or less.  She is one tough lady.





The clouds were gorgeous as we headed south around Portland.

The different shades of green are my favorite part of spring.  Nowhere is it more beautiful than in the Pacific NW.

Last Day at Their Favorite Dog Park

Mom's house is the dogs' Disneyland.  They both have had a ball here.  The goats now come running to see Elsie and Tule wants to try to keep up, too. She has been doing a much better job than we thought she could.

Yes, the baby goats look like unicorns--only one horn has come in on each one.

Mom's yard is full of color.

Today Mom felt a lot better. She looks great and is loving all the attention.  Wherever she goes people won't believe her age.  The dr. today told her she needed to write a book. She said, "oh my granddaughter is doing that--she's making a movie of my life."  Britta is working on a DVD for her 99th birthday (I hope it can be finished by then).  They let family members bring pets in, so we took Elsie over to see her (Tule would not have been able to stand up on those slippery floors).  I forgot to take a photo, but Mom loved having Elsie come and her roommate enjoyed a few pats, too.  And Elsie behaved perfectly, like she knew she was on a special mission.  Good dog!


We didn't think Tule would be able to climb the steps here, but we were wrong.  Here she is going up the long steps for the second time in a few minutes--had to visit the goats and horse.


The evening was fun, too, but that blog will wait for tomorrow night.

Who is That Guy?

I have barely seen Gary this week. He has been doing errands to make Mom's life easier while I sit with her at the hospital and answer questions from hospital staff.








Mom had a coupon, so we went out to a nice dinner at Arnie's on the waterfront in Edmonds tonight.  The view of the ferry and the sunset and the Olympics and all the sailboats stored in the breakwater was amazing.  I love sitting and looking at the water.

I've commented on the goats in Mom's pasture.  Here is a photo of how the horse has figured out a way to eat when the goats climb in the manger to eat more than their share of the hay.  He grabs some hay, plops it on the back of the closest goat and nibbles on it from the goats' back.  These animals are so entertaining.  Elsie spends hours each day just standing and staring thru the fence at them.  They seem to like her attention.  Lyric is the name of the horse.

Tomorrow is the day Mom enters rehab.  She is walking better, just has a LOT of pain when trying to sit up in the bed.  She has a long rough road ahead, I'm afraid.

Whew!

Who would think Mom could be a slave driver from the hospital.  The woman does NOT slow down.  she had me bring her checkbooks and tax papers so she could go over them when she is not having PT.  I spent several hours trying to find everything she wanted. Then a new list was made today. I got home and hit the ground running trying to find everything she wants.  We are certainly getting organized with mail and newspaper and bank, etc.

The nicest part of her hospital stay is her view. Those are the Cascade Mts you can see behind the trees if you squint.  The staff has been great, too.

I spent the morning sorting thru stuff Britta wanted and checking with her by text photos and messages about what was what.  Technology is fantastic.

We had to clean out the front clothes closet due to mold issues.  I found my jr. hi coat in there--I guess it was time to clean it out.  That is definitely a blue and black plaid.

When I got home, the owner of the horse and goats came to feed them.  Elsie knows her and was sooo glad to see her.    She is totally confident in Mom's ability to heal. Pretty amazing when you think Mom is 98 and people are so confident that she will be just fine.  The whole family feels that way, too. And she sure is confident this is just a bump in the road.   My Mom is definitley incredible.

Another Day

Busy day--went to the kidney disease class--very interesting and educational.  Mom's counts have improved by her drinking water so the dr. says she can eat almost anything except salt. She was much happier about that.

In spite of her injuries, she has been having fun in the hospital.  You can imagine when the nurses and doctors read her age, they don't expect what they see.  So lots of compliments are coming her way.  She is in amazing shape for 98 even with the injuries.  The PT came today and she did far better than he expected.

The upshot is that she will have to move to rehab in a few days and stay there until she can get out of bed by herself-- the first estimate was 6-8 weeks, but after the PT worked with her, he revised that down to maybe 4 weeks.

Last night's doctor remembered Mom from a few years ago when she was in for a fractured pelvis.  She was off duty tonight, but came by to check on Mom anyway--wasn't that sweet?

The drive from this morning's class to the hospital was along the waterfront.  All the mountains were out--hard to take photos while driving, so missed Mt. Rainier, but got a pretty good shot of the Olympics.

Not a Great Day

The good news is I had lots of time to knit.  It is a short sock,

for those who are wondering.

The bad news is Mom fell and fractured her tail bone, her sacroiliac and tore a muscle in her gluteus maximus.  She was rushing in the kitchen as we were leaving for her dr. appt.  He sent us to the emergency room for xrays, a CT scan and an MRI, which took about 8 hours.

Yes, she can still smile thru all this and not on pain meds, but it only hurts when she tries to walk.  She will be in the hospital for a few days.  This is not the way the trip was supposed to go.  The good news is her kidney levels are back to normal because of all the water she's been drinking. 

Cute story--when she finally got into her room after hours in the emergency room, the doctor came in to see her and said "I know you. Do you recognize me?"  This dr. treated her the first time she broke her pelvis a few years ago and remembered her because she was so impressed with Mom's good health for her age.  She was even more impressed now because in spite of her injury,  Mom is still in very good health and obviously even older.  That had Mom smiling from ear to ear.  The dr. said, "I thought you were incredible then and I think you are incredible now." Got her lots of points.  

Meanwhile, Gary and the dogs were enjoying nice weather in Mom's back yard while he waited for news.

Family Time with the Petersons

Our morning began with church.  One of Mom's friends was there, so it made for a special morning.  Not too many people she knows left--in church or anywhere.

We got the dogs out for a walk and again Tule chose not to heel.  Here she is dragging Gary along her route.







Alan and Karen and two of their daughters and their families came today. Alan is Gary's brother.  We had such a good time.  The goats cooperated and played "King of the Hill" for them.

Elsie spent most of the afternoon down at the fence staring at the goats.  Arissa and Abby enjoyed the scene.

Tule decided it was time to visit the horse in the barn.





Little Abby learned how to blow bubbles today.  It was so much fun listening to her giggle every time it worked and the bubbles flew.